The Chevrolet SS is stepping it up a notch. After spending a year on the market saddled with a six-speed automatic and old-fashioned low-tech springs, the 2015 Chevrolet SS is getting a six-speed manual transmission and magnetic ride control suspension tech, according to senior features editor Jonny Lieberman.

GM got much flak when it brought the Holden Commodore SS over to the States as the Chevrolet SS without the six-speed manual transmission available in Australia – after all, what point is a performance sedan with a slushbox? GM could make things right as early as this summer, if Lieberman's source proves to be correct.

Starting this summer, a six-speed manual transmission could be available to back up the Chevy SS' 415-hp and 415 lb-ft of torque 6.2-liter V-8. With the six-speed automatic, the SS accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. We suspect a six-speed manual will improve that time.

During a comparison test with the Chrysler 300 SRT8, we found the SS to be a competent handler, "The SS shrink-wraps itself around the driver. Every motion feels like it's happening to the driver, not at a distance as in the SRT. Turn-in involves the entire car. The front and rear of the car respond together and the car's first response is a rotation around the center. In short, the SS feels like a proper sports sedan. "Adding magnetic ride control, which is currently found on the Camaro ZL1, Cadillac CTS Vsport, and Corvette Stingray, would only improve the SS' handling characteristics.

Do you think offering a six-speed manual and magnetic ride control on the 2015 Chevrolet SS is a good idea? Would you rather have an automatic- or manual-equipped SS? Sound off in the comments below.